Event Details

Humans display acts of kindness and generosity all the time. As it turns out, nonhumans are also good to another, sacrificing to help others of their kind. They also may possess a sense of justice, as well as an ability to empathize. But ... why? Why do both humans and animals show altruistic behaviors?

Scientists and philosophers have long pondered these questions. In a fast-moving, action-packed discussion, University of Louisville's Lee Dugatkin will bring us up to date on what we know and what we don’t know about the roots of goodness. This IF University class will focus on the fascinating history of the subject, including true stories that are the stuff of movies, and the latest, cutting-edge research in the field of evolution and behavior, including Dugatkin's own work on altruism.

FACILITATOR: Lee Dugatkin is a Professor of Biology and a Distinguished University Scholar at the University of Louisville. Professor Dugatkin is one of the world’s leading experts on the subject of the evolution of behavior. He is the author of 8 books and more than 150 articles. His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Chicago Sun Times, Discover Magazine, The Manchester Guardian, The Toronto Globe and Mail, Discovery Magazine, Scientific American, Nature, Science, BioScience, Science News and dozens of other newspapers, magazines and journals across the world.

Friday, July 18, 2014 from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM (EDT)

Organizer

IF University

IF Universityis a new platform and ecosystem for creative thinkers, innovators, and curious minds to teach classes, attend classes and bring unexpected ideas to the forefront to build and support a culture of innovative thinking. Built on the “Stay Curious” premise of the annual IdeaFestival® in Louisville, IF University is designed to inspire new and novel thinking all year round by hosting classes and events on a wide variety of topics held in public venues. All IF University classes and events are non-credit learning experiences, with an emphasis on the intersections between varied topics and multiple disciplines. Ideas at Play, that's IF University.

IF University is a division of the IdeaFestival® , the non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals, businesses, organizations and communities to grow, change, and be relevant by constantly challenging their assumptions and affirming their intellectual courage.